Minimum wage in SA: how it compares to the national line

Minimum wage in SA: how it compares to the national line

If you're looking for the minimum wage in South Australia, the short answer is that it's the same as the national minimum wage. The Fair Work Ombudsman sets a single national minimum wage that applies across all states and territories, including SA. From 1 July 2026, that rate is $26.44 per hour, $1004.90 per week, or $52,255 per year before tax. On the Salary Index, where 100 represents full-time adult ordinary-time earnings of $108,352 per year, the national minimum wage sits at an index of 48.2.

But the keyword "minimum wage sa" often leads to a broader question: how does pay in South Australia stack up against the rest of the country? That's where state and industry differences come in. The national minimum wage is a floor, but most workers earn more, either through a modern award or an enterprise agreement. South Australia's overall earnings index is 94.6, meaning the typical full-time worker in SA earns about $102,450 per year, or 94.6% of the national line. That's lower than the national average but higher than the minimum wage.

To understand why SA sits below the line, look at the industries that dominate the state's economy. The industries page shows national indices for key sectors: retail trade (index 75.9) and accommodation and food services (72.5) are well below the national line. Since SA has a larger share of these lower-paying industries, it pulls the state average down. On the other hand, mining (index 154.7) and professional services (114.7) are high, but those sectors are smaller in SA than in WA or Queensland. If you work in a low-paying industry in SA, your pay may be closer to the award minimum, not the state average.

The national minimum wage itself is the same everywhere, but your take-home pay depends on your award classification, casual loading, and your employer. For a full-time adult worker on the minimum wage in SA, the take-home estimate: $26.44 per hour, minus tax and Medicare. Using the 2026-27 resident rates: no tax up to $18,200, then 15% to $45,000, then 30% to $135,000. For $52,255, tax is about $8,000 tax plus 2% Medicare levy. That's around $1,000 per week after tax, but ignore HELP or Medicare surcharge. Your actual take-home may differ.

If you are under 21, junior rates apply. The national minimum wage order sets percentages: under 16 $9.73/hr, 16 $12.51, 17 $15.28, 18 $18.06, 19 $21.81, 20 $25.83. These are the adult rate multiplied by the order's percentages. A modern award may set different junior rates. Casual workers get a loading of 25% on top of the minimum wage, so $33.05/hr for adults.

To see how other states compare, visit the states page. For a deeper explanation of the index, see how the index works. If you need to check award rates for your job, the pay guides can help.

In summary, the minimum wage in SA is the national minimum wage of $26.44/hr, index 48.2. But the state's overall earnings are lower than the national average, at index 94.6. Industry mix matters: if you work in retail or hospitality, you're likely below the state average; if in mining or professional services, you're above. The national minimum wage is a floor, not a ceiling, and most workers earn more through awards or agreements.